Claude, a rare albino alligator that has been a resident of San Francisco’s California Academy of Sciences for 17 years, has died. He was 30 years old.

On Tuesday, Dec. 2, the museum shared that Claude was recently moved behind the scenes so that his care team could monitor and treat him for a suspected infection. Although he received the “best possible care” from the Steinhart Aquarium veterinarian and animal care teams, the beloved alligator has died.

“He brought joy to millions of people at the museum and across the world, his quiet charisma captivating the hearts of fans of all ages,” the California Academy of Sciences wrote in a press release. “Claude showed us the power of ambassador animals to connect people to nature and stoke curiosity to learn more about the world around us.”

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